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Interior - The River Gardens Café, London, Greater London

The River Gardens Café

4.8 (117)
£25 and under
Café
20 River Gardens Walk Unit 2, London, Greater London SE10 0FZ

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A photo of The River Gardens Café restaurant

The River Gardens Café

4.8
£25 and under
Café
Greenwich

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 5 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Great for brunch
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Charming
River Gardens Café is located in front of the iconic River Thames, boasting outstanding views of the city just a short scenic walk from the Cutty Sark ship.
You can expect to feel a warm atmosphere from the moment you walk in with art and décor to take you back to what used to be Lovells Wharf. We have an extensive terrace space which is great for catching the last glimpses of the of the beautiful scenery whilst the sun sets.

We have a variety of dishes from breakfast, brunch, dinner and festive meals which are freshly prepared by our team of chefs every day. As a local café we strive to accommodate everyone, thus making us the perfect spot for a little bite, a catch up or a full meal. As a family run business we understand the unity of family, dogs are family and therefore we are dog friendly! We look forward to serving you soon.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Café, British, European
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 8:00 am–6:00 pm Sat, Sun 8:30 am–6:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Greenwich
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Cutty Sark - 15 Minute walk Maze Hill train station - 10 Minute walkNorth Greenwich station - 30 Minute walk (buses are accessible) Street parking on Pelton road and Banning street - 2 Minute walk
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Christmas Set Menu

    £32.00 - £39.00 per person

    1 - 10 people

    Nov 14, 2026 - Dec 24, 2026
    2 courses £32 | 3 courses £39 per person Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at our hidden riverside café on the Greenwich Peninsula. Christmas is all about gathering the people you love around a table, and there’s no cosier place to do it than The River Gardens Café. Tucked away in a secret spot by the river, our family-run café is the perfect escape from the festive rush: a relaxed, welcoming space where you can slow down, raise a glass and enjoy a proper Christmas feast without any of the stress. Our festive set menu is a celebration of the Christmas classics, cooked with care and served with plenty of heart. Think warming winter soups, crispy golden starters, followed by everything you’d hope for in a festive main, from turkey with all the trimmings (served in a giant Yorkshire pudding, no less) to slow-braised, rich and comforting winter dishes. To finish, it simply wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional Christmas pudding and warm custard, alongside other indulgent homemade puddings. Add a side of pigs in blankets or honey-glazed sprouts with bacon for the table, and you have all the makings of a perfect festive feast. There’s something for everyone at the table, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices thoughtfully included, so every guest can join in the celebrations. Whether it’s a festive lunch with friends, a family get-together, a work Christmas celebration or a well-earned treat after a wintry walk along the Thames, our team will make you feel right at home. And because Christmas is for the whole family, four-legged guests are welcome too, with fresh water and biscuits always on hand. Since opening our doors in 2019, River Gardens Café has been part of the heart of the local community, and we’re proud to be an OpenTable Diners’ Choice 2026 Award winner. This Christmas, we’d love to welcome you to share in the festive spirit with us. Good to know: The set menu is priced per person and cannot be shared; shared items will be charged individually at full price.
    Christmas Set Menu Photo
  • Christmas Pop-up Night

    £32.00 - £39.00 per person

    1 - 10 people

    Dec 19, 2026 only
    2 courses £32 | 3 courses £39 per person Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at our hidden riverside café on the Greenwich Peninsula. Christmas is all about gathering the people you love around a table, and there’s no cosier place to do it than The River Gardens Café. Tucked away in a secret spot by the river, our family-run café is the perfect escape from the festive rush: a relaxed, welcoming space where you can slow down, raise a glass and enjoy a proper Christmas feast without any of the stress. Our festive set menu is a celebration of the Christmas classics, cooked with care and served with plenty of heart. Think warming winter soups, crispy golden starters, followed by everything you’d hope for in a festive main, from turkey with all the trimmings (served in a giant Yorkshire pudding, no less) to slow-braised, rich and comforting winter dishes. To finish, it simply wouldn’t be Christmas without a traditional Christmas pudding and warm custard, alongside other indulgent homemade puddings. Add a side of pigs in blankets or honey-glazed sprouts with bacon for the table, and you have all the makings of a perfect festive feast. There’s something for everyone at the table, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices thoughtfully included, so every guest can join in the celebrations. Whether it’s a festive lunch with friends, a family get-together, a work Christmas celebration or a well-earned treat after a wintry walk along the Thames, our team will make you feel right at home. And because Christmas is for the whole family, four-legged guests are welcome too, with fresh water and biscuits always on hand. Since opening our doors in 2019, River Gardens Café has been part of the heart of the local community, and we’re proud to be an OpenTable Diners’ Choice 2026 Award winner. This Christmas, we’d love to welcome you to share in the festive spirit with us. Good to know: The set menu is priced per person and cannot be shared; shared items will be charged individually at full price.
    Christmas Pop-up Night Photo
  • Afternoon Tea

    £17.50 - £35.00 per person

    1 - 10 people

    Multiple dates available
    Indulge in a delightful afternoon tea experience at River Gardens Café in Greenwich, nestled along the picturesque River Thames. A charming, family-run café offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing afternoon treat. Afternoon Tea Highlights: - Freshly Prepared Finger Sandwiches: Cucumber & cream cheese, smoked salmon & cream cheese, English ham & mustard, and classic egg & mustard cress - Savoury Bites: Mini quiches and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam preserve - Sweet Treats: A selection of mini desserts and herbal teas - Beverages: Wide selection of teas, coffee, and optional prosecco - Riverside seating with breathtaking views of the River Thames - Cosy, modern interior with natural light and quirky decor - Dog-friendly, making it an ideal spot for a family outing Treat yourself to an unforgettable afternoon tea experience at River Gardens Café, where quality food, friendly service, and stunning views come together in perfect harmony.
    Afternoon Tea Photo

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Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at The River Gardens Café.

4.8

4.8
(117)
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

  • London

    Café

  • South East London

    Best Value

  • South East London

    Great for brunch

  • South East London

    Kid-friendly

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The River Gardens Café offers an inviting experience with "lovely atmosphere" and "excellent" food. Despite external scaffolding, it maintains a "cozy and stylish" interior. Guests enjoy a diverse menu with "great value for location" and "friendly, attentive" service. Diners appreciate the river views and recommend it for "lovely meals."
117 Reviews
  1. Ian

    London7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 20, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good quality food at a reasonable price. Attentive service.

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  2. Glen

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 10, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really lovely food the staff were friendly and attentive without being pushy plus really great value for location really can’t find fault and would highly recommend the place for a lovely meal

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  3. Jenni

    London65 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 10, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant is clearly run by very caring owners who care a great deal about the impression they make on diners. The choice is extensive and the portions enormous. We had a lovely meal and would definitely recommend that you make the extra walk away from the town centre.

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  4. Tracy

    London8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 27, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Breakfast was excellent and also the service was very attentive. Looking forward to going again

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  5. Pierre

    Montreal1 review

    5.0

    Dined on September 25, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The personnel is extremely friendly. The food is excellent . We were there for the tea time . Do not be put off by the cafe because of the scaffolding in front of the cafe. Go in.. the ambiance and decor are great. One of our highlights of our London stay!

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  6. Nikki Gold

    East Sussex11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 20, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A little stroll away from the hustle of Greenwich is the peaceful joy of River Gardens Cafe. Here for Sunday morning brunch - I opted for the Breakfast in Med option and it did not disappoint followed by their insane sticky toffee pud. It was all so good and the iced chai latte was so good too. Service was outstanding. It's a definite return to for me.

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  7. Anna

    New Orleans25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on September 13, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We met with family for breakfast and this cafe was absolutely delightful! The service was attentive but not hovering. The food was fresh and delicious. Pancakes with berries were light and fluffy, the scones were perfect and the coffees pretty and tasty! It has a lovely view outside while feeling cozy inside. Highly recommend!

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  8. Jane

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on September 6, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A lovely walk along the Riverside finds you at this lovely cafe. At the moment the building is having a face-lift and there is scaffolding up. But this did not take away the lovely atmosphere . We thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon tea and other food coming out of the kitchen looked great . Highly recomend .

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  9. Martin

    London1 review

    5.0

    Dined on August 15, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Booked a table for my partners birthday before heading to see Moby. Food was really good. So much to choose from. Staff were very polite.

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  10. sheema

    London38 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on August 15, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Really lovely staff. Wonderful breakfast with river views. Excellent coffee Looking forward to going again!

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    Café, British, European
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Fri 8:00 am–6:00 pm Sat, Sun 8:30 am–6:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Greenwich
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Cutty Sark - 15 Minute walk Maze Hill train station - 10 Minute walkNorth Greenwich station - 30 Minute walk (buses are accessible) Street parking on Pelton road and Banning street - 2 Minute walk
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

For families, yes, the team often rearrange seating to fit groups and children, and reviewers describe being accommodated with long tables and last-minute extra children.

The River Gardens Café is a family-run spot led by Havva and Hasan, who are frequently mentioned by guests as the owners at the heart of the business.

Guests consistently describe portions as generous and well sized, several reviewers call dishes "very generous" or "perfect portion sizes."

Yes, The River Gardens Café is family-friendly: staff regularly welcome children, cater for allergies and special requests, and families with young kids return often.

Yes, reviewers recommend The River Gardens Café for dates and celebrations, praising its riverside views and cosy, linger-friendly atmosphere as ideal for a special outing.

Yes, River Gardens Café welcomes dogs: the owners state they are dog friendly and guests report dog bowls, puppacinos, treats and even a comfy bed for pets on visits.

Yes, The River Gardens Café is explicitly dog friendly; the owner says “dogs are family” and guests describe dog bowls, pup-friendly treats, and even a comfy bed for pups during visits.

Casual dress, comfortable, informal clothing is appropriate; nothing formal is expected.

Yes, The River Gardens Café has extensive outdoor seating: the owner mentions an "extensive terrace space, " and guests praise riverside outdoor tables right by the water.

The River Gardens Café is often very popular at peak times, reviewers note it can be full (one guest reported almost every table taken at 11:00am on a Sunday). For a quieter, more peaceful visit some guests have described it as a nice spot for a calm bite outside of those peak moments.

The River Gardens Café feels warm, welcoming and characterful, quirky, eclectic decor and riverside views create a cosy, family-run vibe that guests repeatedly praise.

Sunday mornings are a favourite, guests note the café is particularly busy and popular for Sunday brunch, so it’s a great time to visit (booking is often sensible).

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. London
  4. South East London
  5. Greenwich

Make a reservation

A photo of The River Gardens Café restaurant

The River Gardens Café

4.8
£25 and under
Café
Greenwich

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 5 times today
Experiences are available.
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